“Have you been flossing regularly?” The question a lot of people dread hearing from the dentist, and never really answer truthfully. A survey conducted around the U.S. resulted in the truth- that a lot of people lie to their dentist about flossing. Everyone is told that flossing is important and that it should be done, if not after every meal, then at

Studies show that a lot of people across the country lie to their dentist about flossing.

least once a day. This just doesn’t happen, and why? The answer is simple, people do not like to floss. People would rather brush their teeth than have to pull out a piece of floss. However, brushing your teeth only cleans the surface of your teeth, and does not always reach the gap between the teeth. As much as you dread it, flossing will help prevent diseases and cavities. Besides, what’s worse, dealing with that painful needle to numb you before filling a cavity, or a piece of floss in between your teeth?

Prevents Tooth Decay & Gum Disease

This is probably the most important reason to floss your teeth. When you brush your teeth, you can only remove so much from it, leaving behind the plaque stuck in between those hard to get places. When that plaque is not removed, it will lead to tartar buildup, which if not removed and taken care of, leads to gum disease.

Your mouth naturally has a lot of bacteria in it. When plaque builds up, the bacteria in the mouth creates a toxic byproduct that causes tooth decay and gum disease. So this bad bacteria begins to inflame your gums, causing disease. From personal experience, not flossing in between two specific teeth that are tight, and where food gets

Brushing your teeth does not always get the food stuck in between some teeth. Flossing helps get it before it turns into something as serious as tooth decay and gum disease.

stuck constantly, has caused me to receive cavities followed by fillings, not once but twice. Since then, I started flossing, mainly because I hate getting fillings.

Help Get Rid of Bad Breath

Let’s talk about stinky breath. One in four people experience bad breath, and it is most likely caused by an oral hygiene issue. When food gets stuck in between your teeth and do not get removed, the bacteria in your mouth begins to break down the food particles into sulfur compounds. Have you ever smelled sulfur? It smells like rotten eggs, sometimes worse. Definitely not something you want your mouth to smell like. One way to prevent this is to floss.

You may be too tired at the end of a long day to think about flossing, but it does not have to happen at the end of the day. You can floss at any time, and to make it easier, try keeping floss handy in your purse, car, or on your nightstand by your bed. Having easy access to floss can help remind, and even encourage you to use it. Think of the benefits! Also when your dentist asks you if you have been flossing, then you won’t have to lie.

Helping prevent cancer is so easy it might surprise you. It is as simple as adding the right types of food to your diet to decrease your chances! While there is no magical fruit or vegetable that will cure cancer or completely prevent cancer, there are foods you can eat to lower your risk of getting cancer. Certain foods can help boost your immune system, and protect your body to fight off diseases and cancer. Research has shown there is a link between cancer and your diet. The other factors are your environment and genetics, but you can change the chances of getting cancer up to 70% by improving your diet. A lot of Americans have an unhealthy diet, and would rather eat a cheeseburger than vegetables. However, foods such as garlic, broccoli, and fruits can not only lower your risk of heart disease, but also lower your risk of cancer. It is definitely worth adding to your diet as often as possible.

There is no secret that how we treat our bodies, and what we put into it, is what we get back from how it functions. Making small changes to your diet can make a difference to your health long-term. Antioxidants are key to boost your immune system and protect against cancer cells. Here are some nutritious foods to eat and what they provide your body with:

Many vegetables such as carrots, garlic, and brocolli have antioxidants that help fight cancer cells. Some can even shrink current cancer cells.

Broccoli

Broccoli is considered a superfood that prevents cancer due to containing sulforaphane. Sulforaphane was tested and has shown to reduce the size and number of breast cancer cells up to 75%. Hundreds of studies in mice have shown that broccoli also reduces prostate, colorectal and colon cancer. Be sure that when you cook broccoli to add to your meals, that you do not microwave it. Microwaving broccoli kills almost all of its cancer-protective nutrients. It is best to eat it raw, or boil it over the stove for 6 minutes to reduce losing too much of the good stuff.

Garlic

Not only can garlic help lower your blood pressure and risk of heart disease, but it has been shown to kill off cancer cells. Multiple studies have shown that the active component in garlic named allicin lowers the risk of stomach cancer and prostate cancer. Add garlic to your meals when you cook, the fresher the better. You may have stinky breath, but you will have a healthier body!

Carrots

Carrots contain beta-carotene which is an antioxidant that may protect cell membranes from the growth of cancer cells. It has been reduced to lowering lung cancer, and cervical cancer. Eat carrots when they are cooked to benefit its antioxidants properties more. Steam or boil the carrots for most nutritional value.

Tomatoes

Not only are tomatoes yummy, but they have the potential to help your body fight off prostate cancer and heart disease. A phytochemical called lycopene gives tomatoes their red color, and its anticancer properties as well. Several studies have shown that the increased intake of lycopene lead to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Add fresh tomatoes to your sauces, salsa, and sandwiches.

Olive Oil

Adding olive oil to your diet can reduce a woman’s chances of breast cancer by almost 70%. Studies have shown that around the world, countries who used olive oil more, had decreased rates of colorectal cancer. Try to swap other oils for olive oil when cooking, and for drizzle on salads and marinades.

Berries

Berries carry so many antioxidants and vitamin C, which aids in the destruction of cancer-causing cells. Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries carry a lot of antioxidant power. Not only can berries prevent the growth of cancer cells, but studies have shown that people with cancer who eat berries such as blackberries slowed cancer progression and reduce the growth of the cells. Grab some berries at your local store and find ways to incorporate it in your day as a snack, or added to salads and smoothies.

Nuts

Nuts can decrease the risk of colorectal, pancreatic, and endometrial cancers. Find ways to add them to your diet.

What is yummy and goes well with berries? Nuts! Eating nuts regularly can decrease the risk of colorectal, pancreatic, and endometrial cancers. Brazil nuts are high in selenium which protects your body from lung cancer, and walnuts were studied to decrease breast cancer cells by 80%. Add some nuts to your salads, cooked meals, and in some homemade trail mix.

There are so many benefits to eating healthier, especially when it comes to fighting off cancer. Research is conducted everyday, and has shown that your diet has a large impact on your overall health and risk of cancer. Some foods will not only reduce the speed and growth of cancer cells, but they can prevent it all together. Incorporate the foods mentioned more often into your diet, and not only will you begin to feel better, but your body will have a higher chance of beating cancer cell’s butts.

Period sex. The first thought that pops into a lot of women’s heads is “gross,” and it is off-limits. There are a lot of reasons women think period sex is off limits. You may not feel comfortable being intimate while you are bleeding and you might feel unclean. Some women may feel unattractive during their period. At the end of the day, it is a personal choice whether you choose to have period sex between you and your partner. But did you know that having period sex has a lot of benefits for you? As long as you can get comfortable with the idea, then you can decide if it is right for you.

Relieve Menstrual Cramps

During an orgasm, your pelvic muscles contract and release. When it releases, it alleviates the pain that you get during your period. After an orgasm your body releases oxytocin and dopamine, the feel good endorphins that can ease any pains you have, including headaches. So you can say goodbye to those nasty cramps and hello to the big “O.” Thats a win-win.

Shorten Your Period Length

Yes you read it right, shorter periods! Yes please! The muscles that contract during an orgasm push out the blood and uterine lining faster. It speeds up the process of getting rid of everything out, which means a shorter period.

No Need For Lubricate

When you are on your period, the blood acts as a natural lubricant. So if you want to try it, just know you can leave the lube in the drawer.

Higher Sex Drive

Ever feel like you are extra horny right around the time of your period? There’s a reason for that. Hormones take a big role in it, and the fact that your blood flow is increased to your pelvic area. The pelvic area gets swollen making you more aroused, sensitive, and crave sex more. Why not indulge?

Just Remember….

You can still get pregnant while on your period. It is a very slim chance, but it is still possible. Take the necessary precautions while having sex in order to avoid any issues like pregnancy and STDs. You can also still contract STDs while having sex with your period. Make sure you are protected.

Period sex has many benefits, but can be messy. Take precautions for an easy clean up.

The biggest downside to period sex is the mess. If you choose to have sex while you have your period, consider using a towel underneath so the clean up is easy. You can also either hop in the shower after, or keep a washcloth nearby. Having sex where blood is gushing out of you may sound gross, but there are so many benefits to consider. The reality of it is that you might just like it! Once you get past the fact that it is blood and let yourself go, you will enjoy it, and so might your partner. Talk with your partner, and make sure everyone is on board, and if so, go for it!

Hypertension, another name for high blood pressure, can lead to serious complications including heart disease, stroke, and death. One in 3 adults have hypertension, which is about 75 million Americans. Tracking your high blood pressure is important because the higher it is, the higher you are at risk of heart problems. High blood pressure puts more strain on your heart and your arteries. The arteries will become thicker and weaker over time, which in turn makes them more narrow. The more narrow an artery becomes, then the more likely it is to clog up which can lead to a heart attack, stroke, kidney issues, and even dementia.

Monitoring your blood pressure at home can lead to controlling and lowering your blood pressure. This will lower your risk of a heart attack and stroke.

The more strain and weaker your artery becomes, the more likely your artery will burst causing a heart attack. There are ways to lower your blood pressure, including physical activity, diet change, and the most important way is to monitor it every day. A research in Minnesota studied 450 people with hypertension, and half were given home blood pressure monitors. The other half got the usual care from their primary doctors. The group that got the home monitoring systems had more success in getting their blood pressure under control than the other group.

What To Do

Having an at-home blood pressure monitor is convenient and easy to use if done correctly. You need to be properly positioned when testing your blood pressure to get the best numbers. Make sure to be sitting with your upper arm, heart, and monitor at the same level. This will produce the most accurate levels. Record every time you take your blood pressure. Keeping track of your levels important so you can manage your blood pressure.

How Often To Check

After you have bought the right kind of blood pressure monitor for your home, make sure to test at the right times to get the best results. Check your blood pressure twice a day, once in the morning before any medication, and the other in the evening. Then you will drop to doing it 2-3 days a week. Take note of any symptoms you may experience such as dizziness during readings. After this, report to your doctor and ask your doctor how often you should continue to check your blood pressure at home.

When monitoring your blood pressure, be sure to record your numbers. Then you can discuss it with your doctor.

You can buy an at-home blood pressure monitor at a pharmacy or online for anywhere from $50 to $100. Your insurance company may cover come of the cost, so find out if they do by calling and asking. Once you get an at home monitor, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to use it. If you are one of the millions of Americans that suffer from high blood pressure, then consider an at-home monitor. Studies have show that people who check their levels at home had better results of managing and lowering their blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, attacks, and strokes. An easy way to regulate it and lower it is by checking your blood pressure regularly at home.

An eating disorder is a mental illness that involves abnormal eating, whether not eating at all, binging and purging, or overeating. Eating disorders impact a person’s mental and physical health negatively. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, over 30 million Americans have some sort of eating disorder. It affects people of all ages, sizes, and race, and can be heritable. Every 62 minutes someone dies from a result of an eating disorder, making it the highest death rate among mental illnesses. People may display a combination of symptoms, or only one

Eating disorders affect millions of Americans. Knowing and spotting the symptoms and signs can help you seek help before it worsens.

symptom, while some people may not show any signs at all. Find out the warning signs and symptoms of an eating disorder so you can get the proper help for yourself or a loved one before it worsens, possibly leading to death.

Anyone can develop an eating disorder, including children. Kids are 7-12 times more likely to develop an eating disorder if a parent, sibling, or relative has an eating disorder. Other stressors such as bullying, and chronic illnesses make people more at risk. Eating disorders not only make a person deficient nutritionally, but it can bring on depression and anxiety. Sometimes an eating disorder can disguise itself as other things. So what are the signs of an eating disorder?

Signs of Eating Disorder

The earlier you detect the signs, then the higher your chance is of treating the disorder. Signs to look for are:

Physical Signs

Dramatic weight loss

Fainting or dizziness

Not sleeping well

Low energy

Feeling cold all the time, even when it is warm out

Stomach cramps (constipation, acid reflux, etc.)

Difficulty concentrating

Dry skin

Dental issues such as erosion, cavities and tooth sensitivity

Weakness of muscles

Disturbance or loss of menstrual cycle in women

Decreased libido in men

Wounds take longer to heal

Psychological/behavioral Signs

Expressing excessive body dissatisfaction

Dressing in layers or baggy clothes to hide weight loss

Preoccupied with eating food, weight, calories, and dieting

One of the signs of an eating disorder is the constant need to exercise.

Feeling irritable around meal time, or denies feeling hungry

Using food for comfort

Using food as a punishment

Vomiting frequently

Using laxatives, enemea, diuretics, and appetite suppressants

Compulsive need to exercise

Comments a lot about feeling fat

Binge eating

Eating in private

A need for control

Obsessive rituals with food such as eating slow, and cutting food into small pieces

While a lot of these signs may seem normal, it is something to consider if you or someone you know exhibits one or more of the mentioned signs. If so, seek medical and professional help for yourself or a loved one. If you have an instinctive “gut” feeling that someone might have an eating disorder, then chances are you are probably right. Follow your instincts and seek help. The quicker you recognize the signs of an eating disorder, the more success you have of treating it.

Technology has become a huge part of our daily lives, increasing screen time more than ever. Screen time is not just limited to cell phones, but also includes tv, tablets, and your computer. For some people, most of their day is spent in front of a computer screen for work, and then for leisure, it is unfortunately also spent in front of a screen, usually their cell phone or TV screen. It has taken up a lot of time throughout the day, and if you sat down and counted the hours and minutes you spend in front of a screen, you would be shocked. Too much screen time has some negative outcomes, especially on your health.

Technology has become a large part of everyone’s life. People are constantly on their phone or tv, which reduces quality of life. There are small changes you can make to reduce screen time.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends kids younger than 2 not have any screen time, and kids older than 2 have no more than 2 hours a day. The most important reason to cut down on screen time is that it does not promote a healthy lifestyle. Too much screen time only leads to being physically inactive, create anxiety, depression, and sleep issues. It can be hard to cut down on screen time after integrating it into your daily routine. Reducing screen time will allow you to become more active in hobbies, social activities, and improve your health and life. Here are some simple, yet effective ways to reduce your screen time.

No-Phone Dinners

People do not realize just how much they use their phones until they make a conscious effort to try and stop using it so much. Grabbing your phone while eating is probably very normal to you, whether to text back someone or view social media. Make it a rule to not have any technology accessible while you are at the dinner table. Not only will you enjoy your company more, but you will also enjoy your meal more.

Delete Apps

This sounds harsh and unimaginable, but look at your phone right now and how many apps you have on it. I bet it is an overwhelming amount, and the worst of them are the social media ones. Those are the apps that take up a lot of your time, because you mindlessly turn them on when you are bored and begin to scroll. Next thing you know it has been half an hour of scrolling. That is time you could have gone for a run instead. So delete them! You can still access Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter on your browser if you need to.

Turn Off Notifications

When the notifications go off on your phone, it is enticing to grab it to see what it is, and then respond back to the email, text, Facebook comment/tag, or phone call. Turn off the notifications for your Facebook, texts, and emails (unless they are important work ones). Even if it is for only an hour or so, this way you can do things without interruption.

Do Not Disturb

Some phones, if not all have a “Do Not Disturb” mode. When you turn on this mode it will stop any notifications from going off, and waking you. When it is time to go to sleep at night, make it a ritual to turn on the Do Not Disturb

One way to reduce screen time, and get better sleep is to move the TV out of your bedroom.

mode so you can get a full night’s sleep and feel well rested for the next day.

Cut Down On TV Time

This is especially important for when you are in bed. Watching TV in bed only increases your chances of binge watching a show because you are so comfy. When watching TV on the couch, you are more likely to limit yourself before you have to go to bed. An easy solution is to remove the TV in your room.

It is important to make a conscious effort of cutting down screen time, not only for your health, but for your family and kids health too. Children watch what their parents do and follow their steps. If your child sees you watching a lot of TV or on your computer or phone a lot, then they will want to do the same. Be a good example for them. Increase your quality of life, get out and learn new things, or exercise to replace the endless amount of useless screen time you give in to. Your mind and body will thank you.